Code Platoon

I recently graduated from Code Platoon's full time 14-week immersive program. Before Code Platoon I spent over a year teaching myself the basics of web development, but after a while it was obvious that I was going to need some help if I wanted to break... Read More into the industry. I found Code Platoon and could not pass up on the opportunity that they presented and I am so happy that I chose to take the leap. It was far from an easy experience. The stronger your Javascript and Python skills are going in, the more comfortable you will be, especially in the first half of the program. Code Platoon will have a lot of resources available to ensure that you succeed like TAs and mentors make sure that you utilize them. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you are stuck. Sometimes all it takes for something to click is to see how someone else would approach the problem. Just remember that there is a reason you are there, you deserve to be there, and trust the process!

My experience at Code Platoon was challenging as well as one of the most rewarding things that I've ever done. I started the 14 week course with no prior college, or coding/tech experience. This is a very fast-paced, immersive program. I started with... Read More pre-work after being accepted into the program and that's where I learned JavaScript and algorithmic programming. Take the pre-work seriously and really focus on learning the syntax/basics, because we took of at a sprint on the first day. I would highly suggest getting familiar with both Javascript and Python before the course begins. They also offer an AWS certification and I would suggest getting that certification before the course starts, too. You won't have much time to do it during the course. I am confident in saying that I feel prepared to enter the workforce as an entry-level Full Stack Software Engineer after creating multiple full stack web applications from week 10 and on. I'm confident in my newfound skills, but still have a lot to learn. The instructors are amazing and will do everything they can to help you succeed as long as you put in the time and effort. Your success really does depend on you and how hard you're willing to work for it. Along with the instructors, Code Platoon has some amazing TA's and mentors available for both moral support and help with technical skills. One of the things I really appreciate about Code Platoon is that they aren't just focused on teaching you to code, but they also want to help you thrive in your new career. They have what are called "Beyond Tech Lectures" that I have personally benefited from greatly, to talk about and offer resources for a host of helpful topics ranging from mental health to negotiating your salary at that first job. One of the things I think I benefitted from the most was the interview prep and networking help that includes: mock interviews with volunteers from companies like Google, creating and building a professional LinkedIn account and resume coaches to help create and improve your resume. It wasn't easy and sometimes I felt like I couldn't keep up with everything we were learning, but I put in the extra hours and used the support provided to me through TA's, instructors, my mentor and other students to succeed and I did it. If I can do it with no prior skills or knowledge in this field, I genuinely believe anyone can. Pros: - You'll complete this course being able to write and understand JavaScript, Python, HTML, CSS, Django, React, SQL, PostgreSQL and more which will allow you to create full stack web applications. - Code Platoon offers career services to help you find a job even after you graduate. - If you're able to relocate or are located in the Chicago area, you're eligible for Code Platoon's Apprenticeship Program that currently has multiple hiring partners that you'll have the opportunity to interview with. Cons: - If you're not in the Chicago area and can't relocate to specific locations for these companies, you can't be part of the internship program, but still have the opportunity to use Career Services through Code Platoon. - I feel that there were some concepts that we could have focused on more and taken a deeper dive into throughout the course.

I attended Code Platoon remotely from February – May, 2021. I was able to attend through the DoD SkillBridge Program, of which Code Platoon is an approved program, during my last few months of Active Duty. Though my entire experience was remote, It did... Read More not detract from the immersive experience and overall quality education. In just a few short months, myself and others, all of whom were at different levels of experience, were able to go from writing simple “Hello World” scripts, to full-stack applications incorporating multiple 3rd party APIs. This was done through a multitude of individual, as well as group work, that got each student used to the industry standards that we would each be expected to understand as we move into the job search. The technology stack we used throughout Code Platoon included Python/Django, JavaScript/React and Postgres/SQL as well as HTML/CSS. This exposed us to modern technology, that is in demand in throughout the industry, and also gave us a more diverse skillset, as opposed to a purely JavaScript based curriculum. Code Platoon also offered numerous workshops throughout the cohort with teams and individuals in the industry to expose us to new technology or give us a more in-depth look at the tech we were learning. In addition to this we also were given “Beyond Tech” workshops that helped students learn skills that went beyond just technology. One of the beyond tech workshops I found particularly useful was the personal finance workshop, as I hadn’t had much experience with money management. Code Platoon also offered an optional mentorship throughout the program that pairs students with a mentor in the industry. I, being active duty Army at the time, was excited to have a mentor who was an Army Veteran. With my mentor I was able to ask more in depth questions about the current tech industry, as well as learn new skills that may not have been offered in Code Platoon. Lastly, the cohort offers an apprenticeship program, that gives students the opportunity to interview and potentially land an internship or fulltime job with partner companies. This is an incredibly valuable option for students, and helps keep everyone motivated to work their hardest and learn the material as thoroughly as they can. Overall, I can’t recommend this program enough to any Veteran, active duty service member, or military spouse! Pros: - Strong Curriculum that exposes students to an awesome tech stack that is prevalent throughout the industry. -Offers both technical and non-technical workshops to help strengthen students’ knowledge and preparedness to enter the industry. -The apprenticeship program is an extremely valuable program that can help new programmers enter the industry with awesome companies. Cons: -If you have any prior experience coding, it can start off a little slow. - Being remote as of May 2021 (Though this may change), can present difficulties in some cases, though for the most part Code Platoon handled it well.

By all means this is not an easy course. But if you stick to it and put in the time, Code Platoon will set you up for success! Before starting, learn BASIC Javascript and Python. This is what is covered in the first few weeks. By week 16 you will be making... Read More full stack web applications using React and Django. Checkout the Code Platoon youtube channel, there is plenty of videos, everything from class lectures all the way to graduation!

While this boot camp was rigorous. I learned so much. I definitely recommend that you have a good familiarity with JavaScript and Python before you begin the program. Utilize your TA's, do not be embarrassed about what you don't know. They're there to... Read More help. They want you to succeed and will do whatever they can to help you. Try to study, definitely work on your problem-solving skills and algorithms throughout the course. Participate in the mentorship program. Also, remember to breathe, and take care of your mental health. This course is going to challenge you, but you can do it!

It is a very intensive coding boot camp that teaches you a ton beyond just coding. In the end they teach you a ton of skills beyond coding and assisting in getting a job during and after the course. Really valuable experience and when I talk to friends... Read More in the industry, they all say that I've been set up well for success.

I had a great experience at Code Platoon. The instructors are extremely invested in each student, and there is always someone to ask for help when you feel lost. I never really imagined that I could learn so much so fast. Also, aside from the coursework,... Read More the internship opportunities offered by companies to graduates at the end of the course is something that I had not read about being offered at any other coding bootcamp. The different kinds of scholarships and grants afforded to students to help with tuition also make this program a great opportunity for anyone able to attend Code Platoon.

In the overwhelming sea of bootcamp options, it's hard to imagine a better option than Code Platoon for members of the military community (I attended as a military spouse). From its emphasis on diversity & inclusion (so many scholarships available to... Read More under-represented communities) to its consistent willingness to re-assess the program curriculum, Code Platoon is a well-structured, intensive program that teaches the hard technical skills you would expect from a coding bootcamp along with invaluable guidance on necessary soft skills for those entering a new career. The team is very explicit about the time demands of the course, but a welcoming support network of teaching assistants and alumni are always available, whether you're stuck on a concept from the day's class or wanting to dive a level deeper with an experienced developer. As many have touched on here, getting the most value from the program requires more than completing the minimum requirements, and I highly recommend leveraging the provided community resources, from individual mentorship to resume reviews to job search assistance.

The decision to attend a coding bootcamp was a hard one for me to make. I worried that the course would be too fast-paced and I would get left behind. Code Platoon immediately made me feel welcome and cared for and I knew it was the school for me. I never... Read More felt alone and there was always someone to help when I became stuck. I would highly recommend this bootcamp to anyone that is eligible to attend. It is a lot of work, but the instructors and TAs are there to support you. If you put in the work you will get through the course. This is the best decision I have ever made, and I am so thankful to Code Platoon for offering such a wonderful opportunity. I am proud to be a part of the Code Platoon family.